Resumen

RICARDO, Granero  y  ESCALONA, Ascardio Nidia. The problem of tobacco use in dentistry: believes, attitudes, behaviors and clinical practice of dentists in relation to smokeless tobacco use. Acta odontol. venez [online]. 2006, vol.44, n.1, pp.64-69. ISSN 0001-6365.

In the rural Venezuela it was a tradition the use of a smokeless tobacco product called Chimó, it is now fashionable among rural and urban youth, those more likely of attending a dental rather than a medical consultation.  methods This is a cross sectional, self administered, anonymous survey done on a random sample of dentist of Lara State, Venezuela. It explores knowledge, believes, attitudes and actual practice of active dentists concerning tobacco use. It was delivery and collected from each selected dentist by a courier service.  results There was a 62% response rate, 60% of responders were female. The majority think Chimó use is a drug that is, and will remain, a public health problem, however, 33% think it is harmless or even beneficial, 14% of males and 18.8% of female think it does not cause damage to oral tissues. About 79% never had a discussion about Chimó as university students and less than 30% ever read a scientific article about Chimó. 80% said they haven’t had any Chimó user patient in the last year, but 60% of dentist never ask about it; 80% think they are prepared to help patients to stop tobacco use, but 40% never offer any counseling. discusion  The goal of healthy living status for our population only could be achieved by a multidisciplinary approach.  One key element if to bridge the gap on professional education and current practice of dentist, which were disclosed by this research project. It is necessary to promote research on tobacco and dental health and to  disseminate practical knowledge about tobacco among dentist to facilitate their participation on prevention and cessation activities.

Palabras clave : chimó; smokeless tobacco; Venezuela; Lara State; dentist; prevention; cessation.